and mama in her kerchief and in her cap had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap. when out on the lawn there arose such a clatter i sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. in a twinkling i heard on the roof the prancing and pulling of each little hoof. as i drew in my head and was turning around, down the chimney st. nicholas came with a bound. his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot. his eyes how they twinkled. his cheeks were like roses his nose like a cherry. he had a round belly that shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly. he spoke not a word but went straight to his work and filled all the stockings then turned. giving a nod, up the chimney he rose. he sprang to his sleigh, to his team he gave a whistle. and away they all flew like the down of a thistle. as i heard him explain as he drove out of sight, happy christmas to all and to all a good fight. it still brings tears to my eyes especially when you have little abigail and paige watching and listening. i wish everyone such joy. jumped out of a plane. finally, i became a ping pong